July 23, 2025 12:13 pm

Kerala Honours Classical Art Maestros with 2023 Awards

CURRENT AFFAIRS: Kerala Kathakali Award, Pallavur Appu Marar Vadya Puraskaram, Keraleeya Nritta-Natya Puraskaram, classical art forms, Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi, Department of Cultural Affairs, Maddalam, Koodiyattam, percussion instruments, cultural heritage preservation

Kerala Honours Classical Art Maestros with 2023 Awards

Kerala’s commitment to cultural legacy

Kerala Honours Classical Art Maestros with 2023 Awards: Kerala has announced its prestigious classical arts awards for 2023, recognising legends in Kathakali, traditional percussion, and classical dance. These awards highlight the state’s continued focus on preserving its rich intangible cultural heritage amid changing times.

Three key awards announced

The awards announced include the State Kathakali Award, the Pallavur Appu Marar Vadya Puraskaram, and the Keraleeya Nritta-Natya Puraskaram. Each award is conferred by the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi, functioning under the Department of Cultural Affairs.

Static GK fact: The Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi was established in 1958 and plays a pivotal role in promoting performing arts in the state.

Recognising tradition bearers

For 2023, the State Kathakali Award honoured two stalwarts:

  • Kuroor Vasudevan Namboothiri for excellence in playing the Chenda
  • Kalamandalam Sankara Warrier for mastery over the Maddalam

These two percussion instruments are integral to the Kathakali tradition, a dance-drama known for its expressive gestures and musical depth.

Percussion maestro honoured

The Pallavur Appu Marar Vadya Puraskaram was awarded to Mattannur Sankarankutty Marar, a celebrated Chenda exponent. Known for his complex rhythmic patterns and contributions to temple arts, he stands as an icon in Kerala’s percussion tradition.

Static GK Tip: The Chenda is a cylindrical percussion instrument and is central to temple festivals and art forms like Kathakali and Theyyam.

Spotlight on Sanskrit theatre

The Keraleeya Nritta-Natya Puraskaram recognised Kalamandalam P.N. Girijadevi for her lifetime contribution to Koodiyattam. This 2,000-year-old Sanskrit theatre form is one of the world’s oldest surviving theatrical traditions and was declared a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2001.

Objectives of the awards

These awards serve multiple purposes:

  • Encourage youth to pursue classical arts
  • Preserve and promote Kerala’s unique art forms
  • Provide financial support to veteran artists
  • Instil cultural pride among the people of Kerala

They also highlight the state’s effort to integrate tradition with modern recognition systems.

Importance for future generations

By rewarding individuals who uphold traditional practices, Kerala ensures a continued legacy. Such state-sponsored recognition strengthens the cultural backbone and ensures the survival of classical arts in contemporary society.

Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table

Kerala Honours Classical Art Maestros with 2023 Awards:

Fact Detail
Awarding Body Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi
Associated Department Department of Cultural Affairs, Kerala
Year of Awards 2023
State Kathakali Awardees Kuroor Vasudevan Namboothiri (Chenda), Kalamandalam Sankara Warrier (Maddalam)
Pallavur Appu Marar Vadya Puraskaram Mattannur Sankarankutty Marar
Keraleeya Nritta-Natya Puraskaram Kalamandalam P.N. Girijadevi
Classical Theatre Recognised Koodiyattam
UNESCO Recognition Koodiyattam declared a Masterpiece in 2001
Instrument Honoured Chenda, Maddalam
Purpose of Awards Cultural preservation and artist recognition
Kerala Honours Classical Art Maestros with 2023 Awards
  1. Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi announced 3 major classical arts awards for 2023.
  2. Kuroor Vasudevan Namboothiri received the State Kathakali Award for Chenda.
  3. Kalamandalam Sankara Warrier was honoured for excellence in Maddalam.
  4. Mattannur Sankarankutty Marar received Pallavur Appu Marar Vadya Puraskaram.
  5. Kalamandalam P.N. Girijadevi awarded for contributions to Koodiyattam theatre.
  6. Awards support cultural preservation and promote traditional art forms.
  7. Chenda and Maddalam are vital instruments in Kathakali and temple arts.
  8. Kerala focuses on youth engagement in classical arts.
  9. UNESCO recognised Koodiyattam as Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2001.
  10. Akademi was founded in 1958 under Department of Cultural Affairs.
  11. Awards foster artistic pride and cultural continuity.
  12. Aims to preserve Kerala’s intangible heritage.
  13. Provides financial support to veteran artists.
  14. Encourages recognition of regional and traditional theatre forms.
  15. Spotlights Sanskrit theatre’s 2,000-year legacy.
  16. Reinforces Kerala’s identity as a cultural powerhouse.
  17. Kerala integrates modern honours with age-old traditions.
  18. Promotes art despite changing societal values.
  19. Celebrates individual contributions in classical forms.
  20. Strengthens India’s regional art ecosystem.

Q1. Which award was conferred upon Kalamandalam P.N. Girijadevi?


Q2. What is the main instrument played by Kuroor Vasudevan Namboothiri?


Q3. When was the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi established?


Q4. Which UNESCO-recognized art form was honored in the awards?


Q5. The Pallavur Appu Marar Vadya Puraskaram was awarded to whom?


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